The Consecrated!

3. Carrying the Cross

‘And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.’ Luke 14:27

This statement means to bear pain for the sake of the Christ till death, but what kind of pain? 2 Corinthians 11:23-33

Here, I’m talking about the readiness to endure pain for His sake! For every time you are persecuted, you have to be ready for you will be asked about the reason of your hope!

In your life, you will endure pain; there is no escape from it. You have the choice; choose to endure pain for the sake of the good and not the evil.

‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.’ 1 Peter 4:12-19

4. Stability in the Word

‘Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’ John 8:31

‘Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:7-9

5. Stability in Christ

‘ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’ John 15:7,8

a.    Fellowship – John 15:4

b.    Total Dependence – John 15:5

c.    Obeying the Commandments – John 15:10

6. Asks and Prays the Will

‘Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.’ John 15:7

Notice, ask whatever you wish and not whatever God wishes. Why? Because the consecrated’ will is aligned with God’ will!

7. Bear Fruit

‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’ John 15:8

8. Live in Purity

‘Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.’ 2 Timothy 2:19-21

9. Love toward other Disciples

‘By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:35

I pray that these nine points will be a solid grid for your life and that they will be revealed to you and help you to make a decision on becoming a consecrated person` living a consecrated life for Christ.

Charbel Louka